In Bethlehem, the birthplace of Christianity, Christmas is being celebrated quietly for the second consecutive year due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. With few visitors and no grand festivities, local authorities chose to forgo traditional decorations to highlight the ongoing suffering under Israeli occupation. Mayor Anton Salman expressed the desire to show the world Palestine’s plight. As hopes of a ceasefire emerge, tourists have largely stayed away, leaving local vendors struggling. Despite the somber atmosphere, Christians continue to gather in prayer at the Church of the Nativity.